While vintage art remains a relatively stable investment for collectors given the tendency of its value to appreciate over time, the pervading tastes, influences, and trends of a given time can acutely affect the value of collectible vintage art. Currently, contemporary cultural movements and the influence of social media and celebrities play a significant role in societies’ collective tastes and can result in the fluctuation in the value of vintage art for sale. This article will discuss how shifting trends can influence the appeal and value of vintage art and even affect the dominant style or era of vintage paintings for sale.
The Role of Cultural Commentary and Relevance:
As certain historical themes resurface in contemporary culture, you might expect interest in the corresponding vintage art for sale to pique. As cultural and social conversations shift and topics like sustainability, counterculture, or war become prominent, vintage art that resonates will gain prominence. The impact of cultural trends on the popularity of vintage paintings for sale is evidenced in several examples in modern times. The cyclical nature of interest means that the work of artists who once enjoyed great prominence may see uptakes in popularity as newer audiences find meaning and relevance in them. This kind of resurgence can increase the demand for pieces from certain eras, styles, or artists.
The Influence of Social Media:
In a time aptly characterized as the digital age – the consumption of information and communication channels are largely online, and digital platforms are increasing in number and popularity. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can largely influence current trends in vintage art. In a matter of days, a certain aesthetic (for example Art-Deco or Pop Art) can start to trend on platforms like this and shape demand among consumers. This can impact the sales of items ranging from original vintage art pieces, prints, and clothing to accessories. Social media platforms like Instagram allow artists, galleries, and buyers to showcase works and connect in the digital sphere. Social media users can stay in tune with trends wherever they are, with ‘views’ and ‘likes’ informing algorithms and audiences. Potential buyers can communicate in real-time with artists or galleries, and purchases can happen instantaneously.
Celebrity: Famous people, largely through social media platforms, have a significant power to influence those who admire and follow them. A celebrity’s tastes or even a once-off purchase of a certain product or work of art can impact the purchasing decisions of millions of people in an incredibly short amount of time. This type of ‘trending’ results in a new kind of popularity, where demand becomes instant, and suppliers must be prepared to match it.
The Democratization of Art Collection: social media not only acutely informs popularity and taste in art but also generally brings art to a broader audience than previous generations. Exclusive galleries and auctions are not the primary avenues for investors to add to their collections, as much research (viewing) and purchasing happens online. This expands the opportunities for sellers and buyers to participate in trending cycles through digital platforms.
Art and Millennials
Pioneers of the contemporary digital age, millennials currently form the largest group of consumers in our society. Along with contributing to, following, and sharing trends in the popularity of certain art styles, tech-savvy consumers also play a significant role in how they want to participate in the art market. Galleries and artists that have an online presence may be more likely to influence tastes and popularity and to make successful sales, given the propensity for millennials to make large purchases online.
Millennial Collectors and Vintage Art: Research indicates that millennials tend to choose art that they can make a personal connection to and that highlights important/ relevant cultural issues. Pieces that speak to themes of identity, social justice, and environmental issues tend to be popular, as well as art that is emotionally expressive or allows the audience to engage in deep introspection. Vintage art that can capture these elements appeals to many millennial buyers.
Conclusion
The term vintage is often mistaken as referring to a particular era, but as discussed in the article above, the term is, in fact, fluid and depends on the trends of the time in the art world. As modern culture evolves through tech and new artistic trends, so too do the meaning and value behind vintage art.